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Reducing the risks of emerging infectious diseases by catalyzing actions that bring us back into balance with nature.

air pollution and coronavirus

Coronavirus and Air Pollution

Emerging research suggests that breathing more polluted air over many years may worsen the effects of COVID-19.
coronavirus

Coronavirus and Climate Change

Climate solutions are pandemic solutions.
air conditioners installed on an apartment building

Coronavirus and Heatwaves

Planning resources for states, cities, and communities help individuals stay cool while physically distancing.
Child wearing mask

Preventing Pandemics at the Source

For a fraction of the cost of managing a pandemic after it starts, we can prevent another pandemic from ever emerging.

The 2022 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: Policy Brief for the U.S.

Climate change puts everyone at risk, but policy decisions and industry actions make some communities more vulnerable to the harms of climate change.

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Protecting forests and changing agricultural practices are essential, cost-effective actions to prevent pandemics

Our new report outlines the strong scientific foundations for taking actions to stop the next pandemic by preventing the spillover of pathogens from animals to people.

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2020 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: U.S. Policy Report

COVID-19 shows how no one is immune from converging health crises and that millions of lives can be saved with climate action.

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Solutions for preventing the next pandemic

The cost of preventing the next pandemic is 2% of the cost we’re paying for COVID-19.

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The climate crisis and COVID-19—A major threat to the pandemic response

Strategies for local communities and states to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission during climate-related extreme events like heat waves, hurricanes, and wildfires.

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In it together

Our Director Dr. Aaron Bernstein talks about how environmental shifts can impact the spread of infectious diseases.

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Harvard scientist says climate change could be fueling recent boom in devastating outbreaks

Changes in the environment may play a role in emerging infectious diseases.

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Our growing food demands will lead to more corona-like viruses

Habitat loss from agriculture may lead to more deadly outbreaks as animals are forced to move closer to humans.

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'A common germ pool': The frightening origins of the coronavirus

Urbanization and agriculture means animals are losing their homes, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem and a higher risk for disease spread.

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If you live with air pollution, you're already more vulnerable to COVID-19

The damage to the lungs from poor air quality may mean people in polluted areas are more susceptible to COVID-19's symptoms.

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Q&A: A Harvard expert on environment and health discusses possible ties between COVID and climate

Our Director Dr. Aaron Bernstein sits down to discuss the connections between environmental changes and COVID-19.

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Why our shrinking natural world is increasing the pace of global pandemics

The rapid rate of biodiversity loss is a measure of how much we’re disturbing the living world upon which our health depends.

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The coronavirus is deadly enough. But some experts suspect bad air makes it worse.

Poor air quality damages lungs, possibly worsening symptoms of COVID-19.

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Air pollution likely to increase coronavirus death rate, warn experts

Long-term lung damage from air pollution may increase the mortality rate of COVID-19.

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Climate experts say pollution could make coronavirus worse

People who are exposed to more air pollution are likely to fare worse if infected with covid than those who are breathing cleaner air.

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Dr. Renee Salas

Renee N. Salas MD, MPH, MS

Renee's work focuses on the intersection of the climate crisis, health, and healthcare delivery.

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